A TAVISTOCK resident who suffered a severe stroke 12 years ago will take on her toughest challenge yet as she attempts to swim 150 lengths this month.

Jan Demery, who had a stroke in 2004, spent four moths in hospital learning how to walk again. After major surgery three years later her consultant suggested taking up swimming.

To begin with, because of the left side spasticity, she went round in circles. But, with physio help, team members’ encouragement and support at Meadowlands Leisure Pool, she slowly began swimming, albeit one armed and on her back.

Two years ago she was challenged to swim a quarter of a mile non-stop to raise funds for Tavistock Stroke Club.

The success of the swim was phenomenal, however, since then she had lost form, so was challenged by a lifeguard who encouraged her to achieve her greatest distance to date of 20 lengths.

Most recently, Jan has been given the huge challenge of swimming 150 lengths, the equivalent of two and a quarter miles, and has been in training since February.

On average Jan does 42/43 strokes (one armed) per length and in completion of her impending challenge she will make more than 6,400 strokes in total.

Jan would like to be sponsored again to raise funds for Tavistock Stroke Club. She expressed thanks to the club which has fully supported her and her fellow peers.

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Jan can do so at Meadowlands in Tavistock where there will be a sponsor form and a pot for donations.